Braided and Spotted

Sunday, 1 February 2015

Last minute post!

I've been a bit off the nail art challenge radar for a week or so, having been away on holiday since mid-January. But I'm home again and playing catch up and getting prepared for a big month (hint maybe?)

So, the Pick n Mix challenge for this week had the two prompts of Fish Braid and Non-Glitter Topper. I've never tried a fish braid before and... what even is a non-glitter topper?

OPI Black Spotted of course!

This is my first attempt at a fish braid and given how behind I am I only gave it the one nail attempt. Surprisingly I found it fairly easy - it absolutely looks harder than it is. Not that my attempt is perfect, I have learnt a few things that I'll change next time (mostly don't rush it!) but I think almost anyone could achieve this with the right polish.

I followed this excellent tutorial from Lucy's Stash which I'd recommend to get you started.

I think the OPI Black Spotted was harder to do than the fish braid. I've done a thin layer over Sally Hansen Pacific Blue and Ulta3 Lily White. It really needs very thin coats and as few brush strokes as possible. Mine puckered as it dried, I'm not sure if it was due to top coat or over working it.

The polishes used in the fish braid are Celestial Cosmetics Apocalypse and Monocerous, with Revlon Coastal Surf. The two Celestials were perfect to work with - highly opaque and a smooth formula that didn't run.